Heavy industry materials like steel, aluminum, and cement are responsible for nearly 40% of global carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions. Steel accounts for 8% of greenhouse gasses (GHGs) annually and global steel demand is projected to grow 30% by 2050. To meet climate goals steel emissions intensity will need to drop 93-100% by 2050. To meet the increased demand and stay on a trajectory to net Zero by 2050, the world needs 70 new green steel plants by 2030.

The aluminum sector is responsible for 1.1 billion tons of carbon dioxide pollution per year, about 2% of global emissions. It is estimated that by 2050 demand for primary aluminum will increase by 40% while demand for recycled aluminum will triple. More than 60% of the aluminum sector’s emissions are from the electricity, most usually coal power, used during the smelting process.